Mason, OH – March 19, 2012 – Makino’s ADVANTiGE™ titanium machining technology wins Aviation Week’s 2012 Innovation Challenge for overcoming the traditional limitations of low metal-removal rates and rapid tool wear in titanium aerospace part manufacturing. As winner of the manufacturing processes category, ADVANTiGE was recognized as a game-changing innovation that provides four times the productivity and four times the tool life of conventional titanium machining technologies.

“ADVANTiGE is a revolutionary titanium machining solution that is set to change the economics of titanium aerospace part manufacturing with unmatched speed, accuracy and tool life,” said Tom Clark, vice president of Makino. “To be awarded Aviation Week’s distinguished Innovation Challenge is an honor and a testament to this cutting-edge technology and the dedication of our engineers.”

Makino’s ADVANTiGE technology has been introduced as part of Makino’s T-Series 5-axis horizontal machining centers for the aerospace industry, which currently includes the T4 and T2. With continued investments in titanium research and development, Makino is committed to supporting ADVANTiGE customers with advanced titanium machining process solutions for the highest levels of productivity and profitability.

Innovation Challenge winners were announced March 7 during the Innovation Challenge Showcase at the Washington Marriott in Washington, D.C. The event, produced by Aviation Week with media support from Aviation Week & Space Technology, Defense Technology International and Second Line of Defense, marked a full day of focus on aerospace innovation, including recommended industry actions, insights and observations.

The ADVANTiGE high-power, high-torque tilting spindle (HSK 125; 4,000 rpm) is integrated with 1,100 ft-lbs of duty-rated torque (740 continuous) to handle the high tensile strength of titanium. Its advanced A-axis twin servo-drive tilting head provides the speed, torque and accuracy necessary to reliably perform full 5-axis roughing and contouring in titanium.

Some of the greatest risks to the titanium machining process are excessive cutting forces that could result in costly material, tool or spindle damages. ADVANTiGE uses Collision Safe Guard and Autonomic Spindle Technologies to monitor the cutting conditions of upcoming tool paths and adjust cutting forces on the fly for improved productivity and tool life.

The ADVANTiGE high-pressure, high-flow coolant system delivers large volumes of high-pressure coolant directly to the cutting zone for increased chip evacuation from multi-flute tools. The coolant system includes overhead shower, spindle nozzle and through-spindle coolant for improved cooling, lubrication and chip evacuation in titanium parts.

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